]]>Located just around 1.5 km away from the majestic Taj Mahal, Agra fort is the second most visited historic site in Agra. Although I would like to think of this place as a prelude to the magnificent Taj since it is here all the story began. The Agra fort is probably the most extensive and intact Mughal architect in India which also laid a foundation for the Red fort in Delhi.

It had been the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty until 1638 when the capital shifted from Agra to Delhi. It feels like a walled city, a place so huge that can consist of anything and everything in it. The 94 acre fort has a semicircular plan and its walls are almost 70 ft high.

It only seemed to sink in as I walked and explored the fort. It’s enormous, the place!

Jahangir Mahal

The first thing you’ll see as you enter inside the fort is the Jahangir Mahal on the right. This was built by Akbar, the great Mughal emperor for his son Jahangir which later became the residence for the palace women. The bowl like structure you see in the front is Jahangir’s bath tub. It’s about 5 ft tall and I was amazed to see such a different style. Made me wonder how our modern bathtubs evolved from this?

Inside the Jahangir Mahal, you’ll see such fine intrinsic designs on red sandstone. I love how it’s so detailed. One thing to note here is this is made by Akbar who was fond of red sandstone very well clear by the Agra fort and the Delhi fort.

Intrinsic designs in Jahangir Mahal

His grandson Shah Jahan on the other hand disliked the sandstone and favoured white marble instead which is very clear by the Taj Mahal which he built. He also demolished parts of this fort and rebuilt it using white marble.

You can easily distinguish the areas made by Akbar or Shah Jahan this way. The fort seamlessly blends both together perfectly – just like the old with the new.

Khas Mahal

The Khas Mahal, rebuilt by Shah Jahan used as bed chambers is beautifully decorated with floral designs and precious gems.

It is said that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his very own son Aurangzeb in this fort in an area called Musamman Burj for almost 8 years. Decorated with fountains and white marble, it also has a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. He breathe his last here pining for his wife while looking at the Taj.

The view of Taj Mahal from the Musamman Burj in Agra Fort.

The diwan-e-aam which served as the hall for common audience lies on the ground floor of the fort. An raised seat for the king is present where he used to hear to the audience woes and answer accordingly.

The raised seat for the king in Diwan-e-aam where the king heard the audience woes.

The hall is huge and the arches are so well symmetrical. I love how symmetrical the building is even when when machines weren’t invented.

The symmetrical arches of Diwan-e-aam

There are so many hidden gems in here which you can only find and only marvel at the life these Mughal emperors lived. This fort is where Akbar resided, Shah Jahan spent his childhood, fell in love with Mumtaz, built the Taj Mahal and finally breath his last. This fort stands tall to narrate the story of love, family, betrayal and power.

]]>https://capturesunshine.com/marvelling-at-the-mughal-architecture-in-agra-fort/feed/34193#AgraDiaries: Visiting The Majestic Taj Mahal in Agrahttps://capturesunshine.com/visiting-the-majestic-taj-mahal-in-agra/
https://capturesunshine.com/visiting-the-majestic-taj-mahal-in-agra/#commentsSat, 23 Jun 2018 06:26:28 +0000http://capturesunshine.com/?p=192An ivory white mausoleum that became the epitome of love throughout centuries. All you need to know about visiting the Taj Mahal, India.

]]>India’s most recognised monument, the Taj Mahal is a perfect example of magnificent architecture by the Mughal dynasty. It is said to be built-in the 1600s by the great emperor Shah Jahan as an epitome of love for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died from excessive blood loss during childbirth.

The Taj Mahal holds up beautifully on the southern banks of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra, India which is just 230 km from the capital: Delhi. This majestic mausoleum took almost twenty years and around twenty thousand workers to be built and is now one of the seven wonders of the world!

The design of the entrance gate

I was left in awe to see its perfect symmetry and intrinsic designs carved on ivory-white marble. It takes a great eye of detail to build something with this precision. It leaves you in amazement and also with a lot of questions…

..about the actual history of the place and the tools and techniques that existed several centuries back which lead to the creation of this.

This is me trying to take in the beauty of this place

Once you enter the premises, it’s a breath-taking view of the Mughal Charbagh (Persian Garden) with a water channel that leads up to the Taj. It stays in its grand endeavour midst the four minarets around 40 m high which are designed to lean outwards to prevent falling on the mausoleum in case of an earthquake. All standing tall with equal precision.

The spectacular Taj. It’s so beautiful. Managed to get this shot after a whole lotta time.

In stark contrast to the white marble of Taj, are the two red stone buildings. One a mosque and the other a guesthouse both facing the mausoleum on the east and the west side adding up to its beauty.

The guesthouse or durbar facing the Taj

As I got closer to the Taj, it was an overwhelming experience. It’s so grand, it makes you feel small. To think this place existed before the tall skyscrapers, I can only imagine how it must be like. Ah, also the palaces and forts that existed during that era. Whoa! *sudden mind blown moment*

A different perspective to look at it

Upon returning back, I got some postcards to send to my friends from a little market just outside the eastern gate of the premise. I also left with lots of memories and a lesson on architecture to take back.

Also while you’re here, visit the Agra Fort which is merely 1.5 kms away to understand how all of this began.

Things to remember when you visit:

You can choose to wear shoe covers or go barefoot while you enter inside the mausoleum since shoes are not allowed.

Cars and bikes ae not allowed within a radius of 500 m of the premises. You’ll have to park your cars and go by the public transport.

There are three gates – South, East and West to enter the premises. It is preferable to enter through the Eastern gate since it’s closer to all the hotels and a small market where you can get Taj mementoes.

You can buy tickets on premise.

Carry a water bottle with you as it can get hot and humid.

Be prepared to see a lot of tourists inside the premise.

Timings:

It opens from 6am till 5pm every day except for Fridays when it is closed for prayers.

How to Reach:

Situated just 230 km from Delhi, you can either go by air or rails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a road trip through Yamuna expressway which takes around 3 hours to reach from Delhi.

Do you have a question?

Do you have any more questions regarding visiting this place? Ask me and let me make your trip a little easier